This week in Black history

Jet, June 30, 2003

June 24, 1936--

* Mary McLeod Bethune, government official, civil rights leader, educator and presidential advisor, became the first Black woman to head a U.S. government agency when she was named director of the Division of Minority Affairs for the National Youth Administration by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on this day. Bethune was born July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, SC, to former slaves Samuel and Patsy McLeod. She attended Scotia Seminary (now Barber Scotia College) in Concord, NC, and Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Upon graduation from Moody, she returned to the South to teach and later wed fellow teacher Albertus Bethune. In 1904, she founded Daytona Normal and Industrial School, known today as Bethune-Cookman College, in Daytona Beach, FL. Over the next two decades her work there brought her national acclaim. In 1935 she formed the National Council of Negro Women. Bethune died May 18, 1955.

June 27, 1890--

* George Dixon, boxer, become the first Black to win the world boxing championship title by defeating Nunc Wallace in the 18th round to win the bantamweight title on this day. A native of Canada, Dixon is considered one of the best fighters in the history of the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. He had fast hands, agile movements, guarded himself well and his quickness and dodging ability made him a difficult target to strike. In 20 years of professional boxing (1886-1906), he fought over 158 bouts and had over 30 championship fights. Dixon died January 6, 1909. He was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1956 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.